Helmcken Falls – A Natural Wonder?

Helmcken Falls – A Natural Wonder?

Helmcken Falls in British Columbia’s Wells Gray Provincial Park is an amazing natural phenomenon not often visited, yet is an absolute must-see. Don’t miss this spectacular waterfall located within British Columbia! Its impressive waterfall can only be admired from above!

Ice cone forming

Helmcken Falls is an annual attraction, but in wintertime, its beauty becomes even more stunning due to the creation of an ice cone at its base. This cone is made possible by water spray from Helmcken Falls that freezes as it hits rocks below – eventually building into an impressive cone-shaped formation with heights reaching 50 meters (164 feet)!

 

Formation of an ice cone is a fascinating phenomenon influenced by numerous variables, including temperature, wind and the volume of water flowing over falls. To create an ice cone effectively requires temperatures consistently be below freezing for extended periods, so water spray can freeze on contact with rocks and gradually build up over time.

Helmcken Falls frozen cone

Wind plays an integral part in creating an ice cone. When wind blows in one direction, spray may accumulate unevenly resulting in an off-centered cone shape; on the other hand, when conditions are calmer, spray can build more evenly producing more symmetrical cones.

Helmcken Falls beautiful view and scenery
Finally, the volume of water flowing over the falls can also play an integral role in creating an ice cone. Too little spray might not exist to form an effective cone shape whereas too much may disperse into too many separate channels to form one coherent one.

Helmcken Falls in the summer

Helmcken Falls Ice Cone Formation | Wells Gray Provincial Park This natural wonder should not be missed and visitors to Wells Gray Provincial Park during winter months can witness it first-hand and experience nature in a truly remarkable and memorable way.

Helmcken Falls forming a rainbow

Helmcken Falls Park offers visitors more than just an ice cone! From hiking trails and wildlife sightings – black bears to grizzly bears to moose are among the many animals sure to delight nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Helmcken Falls summer winter shot

Helmcken Falls and Wells Gray Provincial Park should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting British Columbia, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty and captivating winter ice cone – these two attractions promise an unforgettable experience for visitors of all kinds.